Farewell by Amethyst Serenity
AN: set in Sailor Moon R after the infamous breakup and the defeat of Rubeus but there is no Shingo, pink spore (you can tell how I feel about her), or any mention of Crystal Tokyo (yet). Mamoru is only 2 years older than Usagi. They are both in high school. Thanks to my lovely beta reader, AngelicMoonDJ and all the wonderful fanfic writers who inspired this, including VO1, Aurora Eos Rose, Princess Destiny and countless others. ^_^
Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon but we all knew *that* already.
Chapter 1- Devastation
With her shoulders slumped and her golden pigtails dragging on the ground, Usagi walked aimlessly. Because of her teacher's latest hot date, she was out of detention early. Usually, she'd celebrate at the Crown Fruit Parlor with a chocolate milkshake and a few games of Sailor V. Today, Usagi would rather have had detention. Over an hour ago, she had been about to enter the arcade when she saw him through the window. Mamo- c… MamoRU was sitting at a corner table. Even in that hideous vomit-green jacket, he was gorgeous with his silky ebony hair, bottomless sapphire eyes and the quirky half-smile that always made her heart pound. He was with… with someone else… a *girl*… a shapely brunette with curly, shoulder- length hair. Suddenly chilled, Usagi had stiffened when… when he *kissed* her… he kissed her on the *lips*. A terrible, dark, icy, gnawing sensation spread throughout her body. Mamoru was *kissing* someone else. Distantly, she noticed that her friend Motoki was looking at her with sadness, *pity* in his chocolate-brown eyes. Like a robot, she had turned around and walked… then ran… and ran… and ran. She ended up in the park. Collapsing on *their* bench in the rose gardens, she hugged her knees and cried… cried until no tears were left.
Oh Mamo-chan, what happened to us? What did I do to make you stop loving me?
When he had broken up with her a few days ago, Mamoru said he didn't want to see her anymore. Her heart was broken… the pain had been so bad… but this was so much worse. He had kissed *someone else*. Mamoru… her soulmate… her Prince… her dream lover… her hero… the one and only love of all her lives… the man who promised to be there for her always… who would and *had* died for her in another life… who swore his eternal, undying love to her… kissed *another girl*. He was her first everything… first love… first kiss… first date… first boyfriend… first heartbreak… Pain spread throughout her body. She had refused to give up on their love. Part of her believed they would get back together someday until… until... How could you give up on a love that lasted over a thousand years, surviving beyond death? She hadn't believed he truly meant what he said... *until* she saw him kiss someone else. Obviously, she did something wrong… something in her was so bad… to make him turn away from her… but she didn't *know* what it was! She didn't want to feel this way anymore. He shredded their bond into pieces, mangling *her* in the process. She could no longer feel his emotions. Ice crept into her soul. The pain… the emptiness… ate her alive. She wanted to die… to sleep forever… oblivion… anything to make it go away.
1 Why didn't you just kill me? How could you be so cruel? Death would have been kinder… easier…
Ruthlessly, Usagi scrubbed her tear-stained face and ocean blue eyes with a scratchy sleeve. It would be easy, too easy, to do something she'd regret for the rest of her life but she had other people to think about. Her family and her friends cared about her, even if Mamoru didn't. She must be strong to protect them and the people of Tokyo. As Sailor Moon, she couldn't, *would not*, let them down. If she couldn't have love, she had friendship and duty. Grimly determined, Usagi straightened her shoulders and marched home. Starting right now, she would work harder in everything… in school, studying and Sailor business. She would *become* a better person… a better princess... a better Sailor Moon… not for Mamoru but for *herself*… right after some of Mom's pampering. Today definitely qualified as her number one most-terrible day of her life. After some goodies and a good cry on Mom's shoulder, she would be ready for anything… even math homework!
A bit more cheerful, Usagi hummed a song as she walked briskly to her house. She was about to open the door with her key when she realized the door was slightly ajar. Her mother would never leave the door unlocked. An ominous feeling settled in her chest. Suddenly, she did not want to walk through the door… but she had to. Usagi gently pushed the door open and slowly walked into her house. Everything seemed quiet and orderly but she kept a hand on her transformation locket. When she called out for her parents, no one answered. As the silence continued, the dreadful, icy feeling grew heavier. If everything was okay (which she fervently prayed for), Rei would kill her for transforming… but if something was wrong, she should be prepared. In a flash of light and ribbons, she quietly morphed into Sailor Moon. She shivered as cool air hit her upper arms and thighs, left bare by the sailor-style white bodysuit, elbow-length white gloves, short blue skirt and red boots. Her golden tiara weighed heavily on her forehead. Her heels clicked loudly on the floor. Room by room, she systemically went through the first floor of the house and felt a little ridiculous. Yet, the icy feeling wouldn't go away. Then, she reached the kitchen.
"Hello Usagi. I've been expecting you, sailor brat. Did you think I would never find out who you are?"
Esmeraude… *Esmeraude*… was sitting at her kitchen table. Flipping her long, pea-soup-green hair over her shoulder, she smirked and crossed her legs. Her skintight black, sleeveless, short dress inched up her thighs. The black, inverted symbol of the dark moon blazed on her forehead. Frozen in horror, Sailor Moon gaped at her. Her parents were seated around the table, tied, gagged and trembling in fear. Luna, her black- furred guardian cat, was unconscious on the table. Upon seeing Sailor Moon, her parents' eyes widened in shock as her true identity sunk in. Whiny, klutzy, crybaby Usagi was *Sailor Moon*, the heroine of Tokyo?!? Ikuko nearly fainted with shock. With his frantic head motions, Kenji soundlessly urged her to run away. Her father struggled with his bonds and rolled out of his chair, landing on the floor with a gentle thump. Resolutely, Sailor Moon faced Esmeraude in a confident stance. She *refused* to leave them. There was no time to think or to be afraid. She *must* be strong and protect her loved ones. Her eyes narrowed with defiance and her lips are pressed into a grim line. Bracing for an attack, she held the Moon Scepter before her.
2 I will save them!
"Let them go. They're innocent. If you need a hostage, take *me*. I'll do whatever you want."
"That's not the way it works, sweetie. By order of Prince Demando, you must be *punished* for interfering with the Dark Moon."
"NOOOOOOOOOO!"
With a wave of her hand, Esmeraude carelessly blasted Usagi's parents with a wave of dark green energy. Usagi screamed in horror, too far away to save them. They stopped moving… and breathing. Ikuko slumped and fell on the floor next to Kenji. Sobbing loudly, Sailor Moon attacked Esmeraude with her fists. Laughing, Esmeraude flung her off and stood up. Usagi bounced off a wall and dropped to the ground. Tapping her chin with a finger, Esmeraude mocked Usagi about her helplessness and inability to protect her family. On the floor, Sailor Moon raised her scepter and whispered "Moon Princess Halation". A stream of white moonlight exploded from the end of the scepter and hit Esmeraude. Arching an emerald eyebrow, Esmeraude smiled nastily and shrugged the attack off. Despite Esmeraude's nonchalance, Usagi pressed the attack, pouring her grief and rage into the scepter. The light from the scepter grew steadily brighter and stronger. Sweat beaded on her forehead as the attack drained her energy. She *refused* to give up. Clenching her teeth, Sailor Moon *willed* more power to her scepter. Esmeraude frowned as the energy surrounded her. Unnoticed, Luna blinked and groggily watched the fight from the table. Holding the Moon Scepter with both hands, Usagi slowly got on her knees and stood. Feeling the light eat through her shields, Esmeraude snarled a curse and summoned more power to destroy Sailor Moon. A burst of tainted green energy rocked Usagi. Her shoulders hit the wall but she did not fall to her feet or falter in her attack. Shaking with exertion, she would *not* relent. To counter her attack, Esmeraude wrapped emerald-green energy shield around herself. Slowly, Usagi's light overwhelmed the dark energy until it touched Esmeraude. Shrieking Demando's name, Esmeraude disintegrated into sulfurous green dust. Unable to take the stress, the kitchen wall shattered and sprayed the backyard with splinters.
Sailor Moon fell to her knees and dropped the Moon Scepter, gasping for air and trembling with exhaustion. On her hands and knees, she crawled to her parents. They had no pulses or heartbeats. She untied them and took away their gags. Kneeling near their heads, she summoned the Silver Imperium Crystal with desperate determination in her luminous blue eyes. As it blossomed from the brooch on her chest, Usagi became Princess Serenity with a gleaming golden crescent moon on her forehead, pearls in her hair and a silk ball gown of purest white edged in gold on her body. Luna cried out in horror, afraid the Crystal would drain all Usagi's life energy. Ignoring the cat, Serenity commanded the crystal to heal her parents. Rainbows burst from the crystal and shimmered over the bodies of her parents. Light poured into them until their chests rose with their breathing. Ikuko smiled weakly and touched her wet face. Kenji tenderly grasped her hand. The Silver Imperium crystal settled gently on the floor. Beaming, Serenity closed her eyes and held his hand to her cheek while her other hand rested on her mother's cheek. As the light ebbed, she felt their life force slipping away again. Frantically, Serenity reached out for the crystal but her parents wouldn't let go of her hands. Smiling sadly, they shook their heads. Her father spoke first.
"We don't have much time left to say goodbye, pumpkin. You have to call Uncle Tenchi."
"NO! The crystal can heal you! I *will* heal you!" Serenity screamed.
"Honey, it's our time to go. You're so beautiful, baby. My little girl is going to do wonderful, important things. I am *proud*… of… you… Take…care… of… yourself… We… love… you… no… matter…what… happens…" her mother whispered.
"Don't blame yourself, sweetheart. You can't heal us. It has to be this way. We'll… *always*… be… with… you…" her father murmured.
"NO! DON'T LEAVE ME ALONE!"
"Be… strong… pumpkin…"
After a last loving look at her, her parents were gone. Sobbing hysterically, Serenity begged the crystal to save them but it did not respond. The crystal was a dull, leaden weight in her hands. When she reverted to Sailor Moon, the crystal disappeared back into the locket. Clutching at her parents, Sailor Moon collapsed. Silent, hopeless tears trailed down her ashen cheeks. Forcing herself to stand, Luna limped over to Usagi and whispered some comforting words. A beeping sound resounded throughout the room. With dawning horror, Luna looked at Usagi's vibrating communicator. She couldn't face a youma now! As the beeping impinged on Usagi's awareness, she roused herself and picked up the communicator. On the little screen, Sailor Mars' angry face appeared and screamed for help. Weakened by the earlier battle, Sailor Moon tried to stand and fell back to the ground. Gritting her teeth, she managed to stand despite Luna's protests. Retrieving the Moon Scepter, Sailor Moon stumbled on the first few steps. Her family was dead but her friends were still alive, needing her. Operating on sheer willpower, she kept on her feet and grimly staggered off to the arcade. Panicked for her princess, Luna tried to run after her but passed out in the hallway.
I will not fail my friends!
Interlude 1
In a darkened room far away, two shadowy figures observed Usagi in a polished, clear crystal globe.
"Why didn't you allow the crystal restore her family?"
"It is regrettable but necessary."
"The princess is in much pain."
"Suffering makes her stronger."
"What if she cannot become stronger?"
"She will. She must."
AN: set in Sailor Moon R after the infamous breakup and the defeat of Rubeus but there is no Shingo, pink spore (you can tell how I feel about her), or any mention of Crystal Tokyo (yet). Mamoru is only 2 years older than Usagi. They are both in high school. Thanks to my lovely beta reader, AngelicMoonDJ and all the wonderful fanfic writers who inspired this, including VO1, Aurora Eos Rose, Princess Destiny and countless others. ^_^
Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon but we all knew *that* already.
Chapter 1- Devastation
With her shoulders slumped and her golden pigtails dragging on the ground, Usagi walked aimlessly. Because of her teacher's latest hot date, she was out of detention early. Usually, she'd celebrate at the Crown Fruit Parlor with a chocolate milkshake and a few games of Sailor V. Today, Usagi would rather have had detention. Over an hour ago, she had been about to enter the arcade when she saw him through the window. Mamo- c… MamoRU was sitting at a corner table. Even in that hideous vomit-green jacket, he was gorgeous with his silky ebony hair, bottomless sapphire eyes and the quirky half-smile that always made her heart pound. He was with… with someone else… a *girl*… a shapely brunette with curly, shoulder- length hair. Suddenly chilled, Usagi had stiffened when… when he *kissed* her… he kissed her on the *lips*. A terrible, dark, icy, gnawing sensation spread throughout her body. Mamoru was *kissing* someone else. Distantly, she noticed that her friend Motoki was looking at her with sadness, *pity* in his chocolate-brown eyes. Like a robot, she had turned around and walked… then ran… and ran… and ran. She ended up in the park. Collapsing on *their* bench in the rose gardens, she hugged her knees and cried… cried until no tears were left.
Oh Mamo-chan, what happened to us? What did I do to make you stop loving me?
When he had broken up with her a few days ago, Mamoru said he didn't want to see her anymore. Her heart was broken… the pain had been so bad… but this was so much worse. He had kissed *someone else*. Mamoru… her soulmate… her Prince… her dream lover… her hero… the one and only love of all her lives… the man who promised to be there for her always… who would and *had* died for her in another life… who swore his eternal, undying love to her… kissed *another girl*. He was her first everything… first love… first kiss… first date… first boyfriend… first heartbreak… Pain spread throughout her body. She had refused to give up on their love. Part of her believed they would get back together someday until… until... How could you give up on a love that lasted over a thousand years, surviving beyond death? She hadn't believed he truly meant what he said... *until* she saw him kiss someone else. Obviously, she did something wrong… something in her was so bad… to make him turn away from her… but she didn't *know* what it was! She didn't want to feel this way anymore. He shredded their bond into pieces, mangling *her* in the process. She could no longer feel his emotions. Ice crept into her soul. The pain… the emptiness… ate her alive. She wanted to die… to sleep forever… oblivion… anything to make it go away.
1 Why didn't you just kill me? How could you be so cruel? Death would have been kinder… easier…
Ruthlessly, Usagi scrubbed her tear-stained face and ocean blue eyes with a scratchy sleeve. It would be easy, too easy, to do something she'd regret for the rest of her life but she had other people to think about. Her family and her friends cared about her, even if Mamoru didn't. She must be strong to protect them and the people of Tokyo. As Sailor Moon, she couldn't, *would not*, let them down. If she couldn't have love, she had friendship and duty. Grimly determined, Usagi straightened her shoulders and marched home. Starting right now, she would work harder in everything… in school, studying and Sailor business. She would *become* a better person… a better princess... a better Sailor Moon… not for Mamoru but for *herself*… right after some of Mom's pampering. Today definitely qualified as her number one most-terrible day of her life. After some goodies and a good cry on Mom's shoulder, she would be ready for anything… even math homework!
A bit more cheerful, Usagi hummed a song as she walked briskly to her house. She was about to open the door with her key when she realized the door was slightly ajar. Her mother would never leave the door unlocked. An ominous feeling settled in her chest. Suddenly, she did not want to walk through the door… but she had to. Usagi gently pushed the door open and slowly walked into her house. Everything seemed quiet and orderly but she kept a hand on her transformation locket. When she called out for her parents, no one answered. As the silence continued, the dreadful, icy feeling grew heavier. If everything was okay (which she fervently prayed for), Rei would kill her for transforming… but if something was wrong, she should be prepared. In a flash of light and ribbons, she quietly morphed into Sailor Moon. She shivered as cool air hit her upper arms and thighs, left bare by the sailor-style white bodysuit, elbow-length white gloves, short blue skirt and red boots. Her golden tiara weighed heavily on her forehead. Her heels clicked loudly on the floor. Room by room, she systemically went through the first floor of the house and felt a little ridiculous. Yet, the icy feeling wouldn't go away. Then, she reached the kitchen.
"Hello Usagi. I've been expecting you, sailor brat. Did you think I would never find out who you are?"
Esmeraude… *Esmeraude*… was sitting at her kitchen table. Flipping her long, pea-soup-green hair over her shoulder, she smirked and crossed her legs. Her skintight black, sleeveless, short dress inched up her thighs. The black, inverted symbol of the dark moon blazed on her forehead. Frozen in horror, Sailor Moon gaped at her. Her parents were seated around the table, tied, gagged and trembling in fear. Luna, her black- furred guardian cat, was unconscious on the table. Upon seeing Sailor Moon, her parents' eyes widened in shock as her true identity sunk in. Whiny, klutzy, crybaby Usagi was *Sailor Moon*, the heroine of Tokyo?!? Ikuko nearly fainted with shock. With his frantic head motions, Kenji soundlessly urged her to run away. Her father struggled with his bonds and rolled out of his chair, landing on the floor with a gentle thump. Resolutely, Sailor Moon faced Esmeraude in a confident stance. She *refused* to leave them. There was no time to think or to be afraid. She *must* be strong and protect her loved ones. Her eyes narrowed with defiance and her lips are pressed into a grim line. Bracing for an attack, she held the Moon Scepter before her.
2 I will save them!
"Let them go. They're innocent. If you need a hostage, take *me*. I'll do whatever you want."
"That's not the way it works, sweetie. By order of Prince Demando, you must be *punished* for interfering with the Dark Moon."
"NOOOOOOOOOO!"
With a wave of her hand, Esmeraude carelessly blasted Usagi's parents with a wave of dark green energy. Usagi screamed in horror, too far away to save them. They stopped moving… and breathing. Ikuko slumped and fell on the floor next to Kenji. Sobbing loudly, Sailor Moon attacked Esmeraude with her fists. Laughing, Esmeraude flung her off and stood up. Usagi bounced off a wall and dropped to the ground. Tapping her chin with a finger, Esmeraude mocked Usagi about her helplessness and inability to protect her family. On the floor, Sailor Moon raised her scepter and whispered "Moon Princess Halation". A stream of white moonlight exploded from the end of the scepter and hit Esmeraude. Arching an emerald eyebrow, Esmeraude smiled nastily and shrugged the attack off. Despite Esmeraude's nonchalance, Usagi pressed the attack, pouring her grief and rage into the scepter. The light from the scepter grew steadily brighter and stronger. Sweat beaded on her forehead as the attack drained her energy. She *refused* to give up. Clenching her teeth, Sailor Moon *willed* more power to her scepter. Esmeraude frowned as the energy surrounded her. Unnoticed, Luna blinked and groggily watched the fight from the table. Holding the Moon Scepter with both hands, Usagi slowly got on her knees and stood. Feeling the light eat through her shields, Esmeraude snarled a curse and summoned more power to destroy Sailor Moon. A burst of tainted green energy rocked Usagi. Her shoulders hit the wall but she did not fall to her feet or falter in her attack. Shaking with exertion, she would *not* relent. To counter her attack, Esmeraude wrapped emerald-green energy shield around herself. Slowly, Usagi's light overwhelmed the dark energy until it touched Esmeraude. Shrieking Demando's name, Esmeraude disintegrated into sulfurous green dust. Unable to take the stress, the kitchen wall shattered and sprayed the backyard with splinters.
Sailor Moon fell to her knees and dropped the Moon Scepter, gasping for air and trembling with exhaustion. On her hands and knees, she crawled to her parents. They had no pulses or heartbeats. She untied them and took away their gags. Kneeling near their heads, she summoned the Silver Imperium Crystal with desperate determination in her luminous blue eyes. As it blossomed from the brooch on her chest, Usagi became Princess Serenity with a gleaming golden crescent moon on her forehead, pearls in her hair and a silk ball gown of purest white edged in gold on her body. Luna cried out in horror, afraid the Crystal would drain all Usagi's life energy. Ignoring the cat, Serenity commanded the crystal to heal her parents. Rainbows burst from the crystal and shimmered over the bodies of her parents. Light poured into them until their chests rose with their breathing. Ikuko smiled weakly and touched her wet face. Kenji tenderly grasped her hand. The Silver Imperium crystal settled gently on the floor. Beaming, Serenity closed her eyes and held his hand to her cheek while her other hand rested on her mother's cheek. As the light ebbed, she felt their life force slipping away again. Frantically, Serenity reached out for the crystal but her parents wouldn't let go of her hands. Smiling sadly, they shook their heads. Her father spoke first.
"We don't have much time left to say goodbye, pumpkin. You have to call Uncle Tenchi."
"NO! The crystal can heal you! I *will* heal you!" Serenity screamed.
"Honey, it's our time to go. You're so beautiful, baby. My little girl is going to do wonderful, important things. I am *proud*… of… you… Take…care… of… yourself… We… love… you… no… matter…what… happens…" her mother whispered.
"Don't blame yourself, sweetheart. You can't heal us. It has to be this way. We'll… *always*… be… with… you…" her father murmured.
"NO! DON'T LEAVE ME ALONE!"
"Be… strong… pumpkin…"
After a last loving look at her, her parents were gone. Sobbing hysterically, Serenity begged the crystal to save them but it did not respond. The crystal was a dull, leaden weight in her hands. When she reverted to Sailor Moon, the crystal disappeared back into the locket. Clutching at her parents, Sailor Moon collapsed. Silent, hopeless tears trailed down her ashen cheeks. Forcing herself to stand, Luna limped over to Usagi and whispered some comforting words. A beeping sound resounded throughout the room. With dawning horror, Luna looked at Usagi's vibrating communicator. She couldn't face a youma now! As the beeping impinged on Usagi's awareness, she roused herself and picked up the communicator. On the little screen, Sailor Mars' angry face appeared and screamed for help. Weakened by the earlier battle, Sailor Moon tried to stand and fell back to the ground. Gritting her teeth, she managed to stand despite Luna's protests. Retrieving the Moon Scepter, Sailor Moon stumbled on the first few steps. Her family was dead but her friends were still alive, needing her. Operating on sheer willpower, she kept on her feet and grimly staggered off to the arcade. Panicked for her princess, Luna tried to run after her but passed out in the hallway.
I will not fail my friends!
Interlude 1
In a darkened room far away, two shadowy figures observed Usagi in a polished, clear crystal globe.
"Why didn't you allow the crystal restore her family?"
"It is regrettable but necessary."
"The princess is in much pain."
"Suffering makes her stronger."
"What if she cannot become stronger?"
"She will. She must."